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Chile Colorado with Ground Beef and Papitas

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(Mexican Red Chile Beef & Potato Stew)

This Chile Colorado with Ground Beef and Papitas is a comforting Mexican-style dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich red chile sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but full of traditional flavors from dried chiles, garlic, cumin, and warm spices.

Perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, beans, or topped with fresh cilantro!

Ingredients

For the Beef & Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Red Chile Sauce:

  • 8 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
  • 3 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
  • 2–3 chile de árbol peppers (optional for heat)
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • ½ onion
  • 2 cups warm beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Optional Additions:

  • 1 cup roasted Hatch green chiles
  • 1 diced tomato
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Queso fresco
  • Lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Red Chile Sauce

  • Toast dried guajillo, ancho, and chile de árbol peppers in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds.
  • Place chiles in hot water and soak for 20 minutes until softened.

Blend together:

  • Soaked chiles
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Beef broth
  • Cumin
  • Mexican oregano
  • Smoked paprika
  • Vinegar
  • Salt

Blend until smooth.

Strain sauce for a smoother texture.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

  • Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Add diced potatoes.
  • Cook for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

  • Add ground beef to the same pan.
  • Cook until browned.
  • Drain excess grease if needed.

Add:

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add:

  • Red chile sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Cooked potatoes

Stir well.

Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer

Cook uncovered for:

20–30 minutes

until:

✅ Potatoes are tender
✅ Sauce thickens
✅ Flavors come together

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Ideas 🌮

Serve hot with:

🌮 Warm flour tortillas
🍚 Mexican rice
🫘 Refried beans
🥑 Guacamole
🌶️ Salsa verde
🧀 Queso fresco
🌿 Fresh cilantro

Perfect for tacos, burritos, or a hearty bowl!

Extra Recipe Tips & Secrets 🌶️✨

For the Best Chile Colorado:

✅ Toast the dried chiles
This creates a deeper smoky flavor.

✅ Brown the beef well
The caramelized flavor makes the dish richer.

✅ Cut potatoes evenly
They cook at the same time.

✅ Make it the day before
The flavors become even better overnight.

Delicious Variations

🥩 Steak Chile Colorado:

Replace ground beef with:

  • Beef chuck
  • Sirloin
  • Stew meat

🌶️ Hatch Green Chile Colorado:

Add:

  • Roasted Hatch green chiles
  • Pepper Jack cheese

🧀 Cheesy Chile Colorado:

Top with:

  • Monterey Jack
  • Queso Oaxaca

🌽 Southwest Style:

Add:

  • Corn
  • Black beans
  • Bell peppers

🔥 Extra Spicy:

Add:

  • Extra chile de árbol
  • Serrano peppers
  • Chipotle peppers

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Warm slowly on the stove and add a little broth if needed.

Social Media Caption Ideas ❤️

Option 1:

“Made this Chile Colorado with Ground Beef and Papitas and it was pure comfort food! 🌶️🥩🥔 Tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and a rich red chile sauce make this the perfect homemade Mexican meal.
Full recipe is in the comments below!”

Option 2:

“A classic Mexican favorite with a delicious twist! 😍🌶️ This Chile Colorado is loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and bold red chile flavor. Perfect with warm tortillas and a side of beans!
Save this recipe ❤️
Recipe below!”

Option 3:

“Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade Chile Colorado! 🔥🥔 Slow-simmered red chile sauce, hearty beef, and tender papitas come together for the ultimate family dinner.
Who would love this? 👇
Full recipe in the comments!”

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Per serving (if divided into 8 servings):

  • Calories: 450–600 kcal
  • Protein: 30–40 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35–45 g
  • Fat: 25–35 g
  • Fiber: 6–8 g

Entire Recipe:

  • Calories: approximately 3,600–4,800 kcal
  • Protein: approximately 240–320 g

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: What does Chile Colorado mean?
A: Chile Colorado means “colored chile” and refers to dishes cooked in a rich red chile sauce.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey works well for a lighter version.

Q: Are dried chiles spicy?
A: Guajillo and ancho chiles are mostly mild with deep flavor. Add chile de árbol for heat.

Q: Can I make this without potatoes?
A: Yes, but papitas add a traditional hearty texture.

Q: What tortillas go best with this dish?
A: Warm flour tortillas are especially popular, but corn tortillas work too.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then slow cook with sauce and potatoes until tender.

🌶️🥩🥔 Chile Colorado with Ground Beef and Papitas is a delicious Mexican comfort dish filled with rich red chile flavor, hearty potatoes, and savory beef — perfect for family meals, tacos, and cozy nights at home! ❤️

✕

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